Is Webster coming back a good thing?

The team has been playing very well together and the G/SF rotation has been working pretty well. When Webster comes back that likely means Rudy is going to lose minutes and become even less utilized. Webster has never lived up to his pre-draft workout. He hasn't been the exceptional shooter he was supposed to be. His role on the team would pretty much be the same as Rudy's and I don't think he's enough of an upgrade to sit Rudy. Many people assume Batum will lose minutes when Webster returns, but it's Rudy that has been playing Websters role in the offense, not Batum. Batum's unique role will likely remain unchanged.

The other thing is I don't think Webster will ever fit in, or reach his potential on the Blazers. I think Webster needs to be a teams #1 option to reach his potential. In Portland he's always been asked to (and always will) defer and I don't think that suits his game at all. I like Webster and think he can be a 24 ppg player in the league, just not here.

Charlotte is rumored to want Webster included in any trade with Portland. Send Webster, Sergio and RLEC to Charlotte for Wallace and Nazr. That makes Portland a stronger team short term and long term. I don't think there's a better fit in the NBA for Portland than Wallace.

Is Webster coming back a good thing? I'm not so sure it is.

 

He takes more of Travis' minutes than anyone's, and I'm cool with that.

 

I've always liked Webb's potential. I think he has the intangibles to be one of the best shooters in the league, he just needed confidence. I'm really disappointed that this year has become a wash for him, but I'm still looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table with this new collection of talent we have. We've seen some flashes of what Martell is capable of, but I'd like to see him become a consistent scorer for us. I think Webster could average 20+ points in this league, he just needs the confidence.

Oh, and I don't think he would affect Rudy's minutes. I think the small forward spot will be Web and Batum, with Outlaw moving over to the 4 spot primarily.

 

I don't think Webster will take Rudy's minutes. He'll take Batum's minutes and some of Outlaw's minutes. To answer your question, yes. He's a good player and Nate will make room for him.

 

Yeah, but I don't think he'll take all of Batum's minutes.

 

You think Webster is going to play PF? No, Webster will take Rudy's minutes since Rudy is playing Webster's position.

 

I'm skeptical that Webster will be an impact player (now or ever), but I am still excited to see him when he returns on the off-chance that all the hype about his improved game is real. At his age, it isn't impossible that he could have taken a big developmental leap forward. I just don't consider it the likeliest thing, so I'm not banking on his return changing the team's fortunes much.

Hope he defies my expectations!

 

Agreed, but Outlaw's most important role is at the end of games and Nate is certainly not going to replace Outlaw with Webster then. That leaves Rudy on the bench at the end of games in favor of Webster? I'm a fan of Webster, but I don't like that idea for Portland.

If it weren't for the emergence of Batum I think Webster would have a role on this team, but I don't see Webster overtaking Batum. This team only needs one SF of the future. And honestly Webster has never been a true SF.

Who's the odd man out? Rudy, Batum or Webster? I think both Rudy and Batum have higher ceilings than Webster.

 

Outlaw plays the minutes at SF that Batum doesn't. Webster takes those minutes. Outlaw also plays some time at PF, but not that much at this point.

 

Only some. Outlaw is the only backup PF Portland is using and that is his primary role. Rudy gets 48% of his minutes at SF, Outlaw gets 38% at SF.

 

Color me crazy, but maybe less minutes for Rudy = more effective minutes for him. I say this in the middle of his 0-fer night against OKC, but Webster's versatility at the 2 and 3 allows him to be placed in a lot of different lineup combinations.

 

I think Webster will have a huge positive impact on Oden's game, and vice versa. I think the half court offense will be much better when Martell is back in the game.

 

I want Webster back. Webster and Batum both tend to disappear from game to game. If we have both, there's less chance they both disappear.

 

Why? What does Webster bring that Rudy doesn't?

 

Bulk.

Defense.

Rebounding.

A therapist.

Any other questions?

 

Did the Blazers give a timeline on Webs returning? He looked great in pre-season. I think he's going to be a huge piece for us.